Siamese cats turn black mainly because they have a gene for melanin. The colder the environment, the more this melanin gene is expressed, causing them to darken. Below, Dr. Yang Pet will take you through the melanin genes of Siamese cats.
1. Reasons Why Siamese Cats Turn Black
Many mammals have a gene called TYR, which is primarily responsible for regulating the production of tyrosinase. Tyrosinase is found in animal cells and helps in the creation of melanin. The higher the activity of tyrosinase in an animal’s body, the faster and more melanin is produced. Siamese cats also have this gene, and its expression can mutate over time and with changes in the environment. When the TYR gene mutates, it causes errors in protein synthesis, leading to different traits.
Additionally, mutations in the Siamese cat melanin genotype mean that the tyrosinase produced in their bodies has irreversible defects, preventing it from functioning normally at regular body temperatures. A special point to note is that when the temperature under the animal’s skin drops below 30°C, the activity of this genotype increases, making it more actively expressed.
2. Does Shaving a Siamese Cat Cause It to Turn Black?
Shaving a Siamese cat isn’t the main reason for its newly grown fur turning black; it just speeds up the darkening process. Whether a Siamese cat’s fur darkens is mainly determined by the surrounding temperature. When a Siamese cat’s skin temperature drops below 30°C, the activity of tyrosinase in their cells gradually increases, directly affecting the synthesis and distribution of melanin in their body. Therefore, shaving a Siamese cat intensifies melanin production, leading to its fur turning black faster.
3. How to Prevent Siamese Cats from Turning Black
Since Siamese cats turning black is mainly caused by low temperatures, if you don’t want your Siamese cat to become increasingly dark, you need to keep them warm as the weather changes. Pay special attention to your Siamese cat’s face, as the facial color can turn completely black as the temperature continues to drop.
However, the fur color of Siamese cats will gradually return to white as the temperature rises. Generally, when Siamese cats live in warm environments, they will restore their usual fur color.
